Nauru’s record-breaking powerlifters will now have access to upgraded training facilities with the opening of the fully-equipped Gerard Jones Gym in Yaren on Thursday, July13, 2017.
Speaking at the official opening, His Excellency, Baron Waqa thanked partners Digicel Nauru, Central Merridian and Sterling Security for their contributions towards the development of the centre.
“It is a great honor to be opening a gym as such’ said His Excellency, Baron Waqa. “ Powerlifting is a very hard sport to train for, with this new Gym we are more confident to go to International level and present our talents to the World.”
Jason Wharton, President of the Nauru Powerlifting Federation, shared similar sentiments, saying, “We thank DigiceL, Central Merridian and Sterling Security for the tremendous support they have put into the Powerlifting Federation.”
Nauru Powerlifting Federation International athletes returned from Australia where the World Powerlifting Championship took place with more than exceptional results, starting with Premier lifter Jezza Uepa in the 120+ category currently holding the Oceania record in total of 1020kg in Super, Irving Harris a Bronze Medalist in the Masters 2, 74kg category, Deamo Baguga set a World Record Deadlift at 83kg with 322.5kg, Bronco Deiranauw also set a World Record of 322kg Squat at 105kg. The only female travelling with the team, Febrose Tsiode collected a Gold medal for the SubJunior of 52.kg category whom also set World SubJunior, Junior and Open World Records in the bench all at once with 110.5kg.
“We are very proud and excited for the Nauru Powerlifting Federation athletes and what they will be able to achieve with this newly-equipped gym. We look forward to many more record-breaking performances by the team as they represent Nauru on the world’s stage,” said Francis Thomsen, CEO of Digicel Nauru.
Digicel Nauru has been a proud sponsor of the Nauru Powerlifting Federations since launch, Jezza Uepa is the current Brand Ambassador for Digicel Nauru.